Trail 41 and Trail 36 Loop

Trail 41 and Trail 36 Loop is a 9.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Salinas, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

DISTANCE

9.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

1243 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

dogs on leash

kid friendly

birding

hiking

horseback riding

mountain biking

nature trips

trail running

walking

views

wild flowers

wildlife

The BLM does a great job maintaining these trails and fostering an environment in which they are shared fairly by all different sorts of users, from horseback riders to mountain bikers. Everyone I have encountered was friendly—and you will encounter others, regardless of the time of day or year. The views, especially from Trail 41 out toward Toro Park, and especially in the spring or late rainy season, are incredible. Reminds me that the beauty of this valley has inspired a lot of art and literature. Most of the loop has wide, graded, gravel trails; some parts are even paved roads. Trail 41 is single track-ish—a little torn up by mountain bikes, but nothing the average horse or walker would have trouble navigating. Watch for ticks, as chamise is their favorite, and the park is dominated by chaparral and manzanita groves, dotted with beautiful live oaks that have not been affected (yet) by the ‘sudden oak death’ fungus.

Thought the horses were going to be buggary with the wind but it was great. Just a little windy, enough to stay cool, clear skies, minimal trail traffic and those that we did meet up with were friendly. Will definately be going again... Miles and miles of trails left to explore...